Massage is certainly one of the most natural and oldest methods used to heal the mind and body. The benefit of having a regular massage is immeasurable, however it can include relieving tension, reducing stress, improving circulation and even helping with lymphatic flow as well as relaxing muscles that are sore and tense. Many masseurs will use oil when they perform massage therapy and the oil they typically use will be a cold-pressed oil that is vegetable based, such as sweet almond oil which can easily be absorbed into the skin making it soft and smooth.
The main massage movements are based on Swedish massage techniques, the original style that is the source of most modern massage therapies: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and tapotement (tapping). Effleurage means long, smooth, stroking movements that are relaxing and warm up the muscles, petrissage means "kneading" the muscles to work deeper into tense areas. Friction and tapping are more localized techniques to increase blood flow to the tense area.
If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain or back problems, therapeutic massage is an easy way to get relief. A massage therapist can focus on the areas of most tension in the body, and even in a full body massage special attention can be paid to the back and the neck. Neck tension can also lead to headaches, and releasing stiffness in this area is an excellent natural remedy for tension headaches.
Typically a session with a massage therapist will begin with the consultation. It is during the consultation that the therapist will be able to question the client regarding various aspects of their health, including the details of any illnesses or injuries, both past and present, as well as lifestyle issues, particularly those dealing with diet or exercise. A consultation with the professional massage therapist is a crucial part of the treatment process, especially when it is a client's first visit with that particular therapist. While just one massage will often be enough to provide relief for many health issues as well as provide necessary relaxation, oftentimes a course of massage treatments will be recommended for treating health problems. After having the initial consultation and treatment session, the therapist will be better able to explain to their client a course of treatment and the number of sessions that will probably be necessary.
Many massage therapists have been trained in a variety of different styles, so they may combine techniques from various traditional massage methods such as Swedish massage, aromatherapy, shiatsu, deep tissue or sports massage, acupressure or Thai massage. If the masseuse or masseur has been trained in numerous methods they may use just one style, or a combination of different methods during a single treatment according to what the particular client needs.
Everyone is able to benefit from therapeutic massage, even when they have no specific health conditions that they are suffering from. Massage can help to make tight muscles looser, it can help increase a person's body awareness, it relieves both stress and tension throughout the body as well as the mind, and it certainly aids in relaxation. Getting a regular massage can definitely help prevent stress and maintain on overall sense of well being.
